Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, has told The Times that the government was risking public safety with the measure, adding that it would result in prolific offenders “bouncing” back and forth from prison. He said: “There are some people amongst this group that remain a significant risk to the public. “The other risk […]
Almost half of offenders recalled to prison are deemed unsafe to be re-released by the Parole Board, according to official figures. The revelation has increased concerns about the risk to public safety after the government announced emergency measures to limit the amount of time in which criminals can be recalled to prison to just four […]
The Ministry of Justice has announced a change to current recall policy, as a measure to relieve pressure on prison overcrowding. The Government has said legislation will be brought forward, shortly, that will enable the greater use of Fixed-Term Recalls. Implementation will be phased from early September to early November for those already currently in […]
Most offenders recalled to prison after breaching their licence conditions will be allowed back onto the streets after 28 days to free up space. They will be among thousands of criminals who will benefit from new limits on how long offenders can be returned to prison after breaching their licence. Speaking at a hastily arranged […]
MAIN POINTS Justice Secretary This Government will end the cycle of crisis. We will bring order and control back to our prisons. That starts by building more of them. Last December, we published a long-term building strategy, setting out our aim to open up 14,000 prison places by 2031. This is the largest expansion of the prison […]
Some prisoners will be released after serving just a third of their sentence if they behave well and engage in rehabilitation programmes under the biggest shake-up of the prison system in decades. Each inmate will be given a minimum and maximum sentence, depending on the seriousness of their crime. Automatic early release of prisoners would […]
The much anticipated review of prison sentences by former Justice Minister David Gauke is due later this month. It’s expected to recommend moving away from short prison sentences to more sentences served in the community. While it may help ease pressure in overcrowded prisons, much of that pressure will then move to an already straining […]
The MOJ has confirmed that approximately 3,100 people serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences were recalled in the past five years Learn More >> Whoops! You need enhanced membership to access this page – login below or join now https://prisons.org.uk/register/enhanced
This report: Provides a comprehensive explanation of why and how prison population has sharply increased in recent decades and is expected to continue to grow, including research spotlights and case studies, and outlines the prison population challenge in figures Advocates for an approach to sentencing that is rooted in the principles of sentencing and public […]
By David Gauke, former Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary We have a prison capacity crisis. But for emergency measures taken in the autumn, demand for places would have already exceeded supply. Even with these emergency measures, Ministry of Justice forecasts show capacity being breached in spring 2026. In that context, the MoJ commissioned an Independent […]
The UK’s prison overcrowding crisis has been fuelled by politicians’ attempts to seem “tough on crime”, the man appointed by Labour to review prisons has found. David Gauke, former Conservative lord chancellor, has said longer jail terms have been a “knee jerk” policy response to show government action, leading to an overwhelmed and ineffective system. […]
Background to the Report: The 2003 Criminal Justice Act introduced ‘hybrid sentences’ served in custody followed by a post-custodial period in the community; the latter also termed as the “licence period” in which individuals are supervised by the Probation Service. Its purpose is to support smooth resettlement into everyday life, while maintaining the highest standard […]